Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Namibia’s largest National Park - at 23,000 sq kilometres, the fourth largest nature conservation area in the world - lies within the Namib Desert which stretches from the Orange River in the south to the Kunene River in the north (border of Angola). The Nama people call it ‘Namib’ – meaning ‘vast’, which is very appropriate.

Sossusvlei and Sesriem canyon

Sossusvlei is a dusty clay pan overlooked by hundreds of towering sand dunes up to 300 metres high. The dunes vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and bright orange. The most famous one is undoubtedly Dune 45, it is best to climb it in the early hours and watch the sunrise from the top.